Palace Theatre announces new director

Palace Theatre announces new director

Susan Rosko Fogarty (inset) and a file photo of the Palace Theatre in Albany.

The Palace Theatre Performing Arts Center announced Thursday that Susan Rosko Fogarty has been named the new executive director, replacing Holly Brown.

Brown was hired in 2011 as the theater's general manager and became executive director in 2012, replacing Kevin Carlon. Rosko Fogarty has worked in the banking and music industry for nearly 25 years in New York City and the Capital Region.

"As the Palace Performing Arts Center enters into a pivotal period in our history, our search has produced a local leader who is well known and respected in the greater Capital Region," said Palace Chairman of the Board of Directors Alan Goldberg in a press statement. "We are pleased to welcome a seasoned executive with 17 years of national music industry experience and 10 years financial management experience who has deep roots in the Capital Region."

Under Brown's leadership the past five years, the Palace Theatre had increased its number of events and its audience according to Goldberg.

"Under Holly's direction, the Palace Performing Arts Center is known for its diverse, outstanding and high caliber programming which has translated into financial success," he said. "We are grateful to Holly for her hard work and many achievements that have put the Palace Performing Arts Center in good stead. We wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors."

Prior to joining the Palace, Brown was the director of marketing and communications for three different theater venues in Clearwater, Florida.

"It has been my privilege and my pleasure to run this beautiful and beloved theater, and to work alongside the talented and amazing group of people that make up the staff of the Palace Performing Arts Center," said Brown in a press release. "Much hard work on everyone's behalf is what makes this venue a success."

Rosko Fogarty takes over just as the Palace Theatre begins a project to restore and renovate the building.

"As we embark on the most transformational arts and culture redevelopment venture in Albany, we are confident Susan will successfully engage and inspire the public and private sectors of this community in supportive partnerships as we continue the launch of our campaign to renovate and restore this iconic theater," said Goldberg. "This project, while marking a critical juncture for the growth of the Place Performing Arts Center, will also provide an economic boost to the Capital Region."

Rosko Fogarty's most recent work experience was as a chief strategy officer for the Capital District YMCA.

"I am excited to be joining the Palace Performing Arts Center as we embark on a transformational project that will make it the premier entertainment, arts, and culture venue in the Capital District," Fogarty said in the press statement. "I look forward to being part of a wonderful team of employees, volunteers, board members, and local leaders that are dedicated to the future of the Palace Theatre and to our community. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to build upon the work of Holly Brown and her leadership team."